Chapter 34: Departure

Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Departure

"This is the answer I confirmed multiple times, and it’s the reply Robert Smith gave me after a personal call. He’s now been removed as head of the marketing department on bribery charges."

Hearing that, Irene saw no reason to continue with MGM. Clearly, the charge was directed at her, since Robert Smith had handled their cooperation.

"Did we offend this new MGM executive?" She couldn’t think of another reason for MGM’s stance.

"I considered that, so I looked into it." He took a file from his bag and handed it to Irene.

Irene opened it to find a résumé and several photos.

"The new executive is Ulysses Mayer, related to Louis Mayer. Five years ago, he pursued Julia Roberts. It didn’t work out, but they’ve stayed friends and have been meeting frequently lately."

"Wait, are you saying Julia Roberts wants to sabotage our deal so my film can’t get investment or distribution?" Irene struggled to understand.

Their films had minor conflicts from releasing at the same time, and there was some negative press.

But those were standard industry tactics. It shouldn’t escalate this far. Julia Roberts was Hollywood’s top actress. Targeting them seemed excessive.

Also, that executive following Julia’s lead made little sense. Legally Blonde’s North American gross had passed $100 million. The revenue to MGM was in the tens of millions. To reject that seemed irrational.

"Ms. Roberts isn’t as tolerant as you think. As comedies in the same summer, you’ll be compared."

"Also, looking at box office trends, Legally Blonde isn’t far behind Runaway Bride. Your reported cost was $15 million, but insiders know it was closer to $10 million. Runaway Bride’s production cost was $78 million, and with marketing it exceeded $100 million."

"With that spending, matching your box office is hard for her to accept."

Shelly’s explanation clarified things. Attacks in the open were manageable; covert ones were not.

Knowing the opponent, and unable to confront her directly yet, Irene needed to proceed carefully.

"What do you recommend?" Irene’s position wasn’t strong enough to go it alone. Working with CAA offered protection. She decided to accept their packaging.

"As fellow CAA clients, we can shield you from external pressure. So I suggest you accept the package." Shelly spoke firmly and sincerely.

Irene didn’t hesitate further. She sympathized with Lindsay Lohan’s situation, but in Hollywood, no role was irreplaceable. She could help her later.

"I agree in principle, but I want an audition, and I decide other key roles."

"No problem."

"I assume Britney wants to return to choose songs. We’ll go back to Los Angeles tomorrow. Schedule the audition for seven days from now.

Also, no audition for the male lead, Aaron Samuels. He’s largely a decorative role; Edward’s acting is sufficient."

"Yes, sir! I’ll work hard! I’ll arrange the plane now!" Hearing he got the male lead, Edward was elated, as happy as Britney.

"By the way, invite some Asian actors. I want to add Asian characters to the main female roles. Aside from the Plastics and Katie’s friends, CAA can handle other minor roles. You have members who fit." Irene delegated decisively; she didn’t need control over every casting.

"Alright, I’ll email the company to prepare auditions." Shelly stood and left the living room.

"What about Henry when you leave tomorrow?" Irene paused at Britney’s question.

She took paper and a pen from the drawer, wrote two lines, and gave it to the housekeeper.

"Tomorrow at nine in the morning, take this to the main pier of the Granvireya Hotel and give it to Mr. Henry. If nothing’s changed, he should be the most noticeable person there."

"Very well, Miss Irene." The housekeeper took it with both hands and placed the note in the cabinet by the door.

After Irene returned to her room, Britney ignored Edward’s objection and went to the door, wanting to open the drawer to see what Irene wrote.

"If the boss finds out, she’ll be upset." Edward closed the drawer.

"Don’t worry, I know her. If she gave the note to the housekeeper openly, she doesn’t mind people knowing. She won’t be angry if I read it."

Opening the drawer, the note lay face up; they could read it without touching it.

Dear Henry, I’m leaving to pursue my dreams. The moments from these days are precious to me.

No matter how good an encounter is, parting is inevitable, but my thoughts will stay with you. May your future be full of light and laughter.

Missing you, Irene Coppola.

The next day, as the sun rose over the sea, Irene and the others left the island, taking gifts the housekeeper prepared.

The plane crossed the sky, leaving brief trails. As the sun fully cleared the water, the trails dispersed in the breeze.

Back in Los Angeles, Irene first signed the film packaging agreement with CAA, then CAA helped her finalize an investment and distribution deal with 20th Century Fox, with distribution fees at 15%.

After negotiations, Irene would cover one-third of the production cost, and Fox would cover two-thirds.

Returning to her rented office, Irene said, "Find me an assistant. I don’t want to attend unnecessary meetings and waste time."

The negotiations had drained her. Each argument made her consider quitting, and each time Shelly talked her out of it.

"I’ve told you, your company needs staff. What about the $6 million investment? Fox requires it before filming starts, or your share is void."

Shelly took two bottles of water from the office corner, as comfortable as if he were home.

"I planned to use the MGM money for the new film," Irene said, taking the bottle, her tone helpless.

"But now they canceled cooperation, and the box office share feels far off."

"If Legally Blonde were only your project, MGM might delay payment for years given their attitude. But fortunately, you’re not alone."

"You mean because of my father, they won’t go too far?"

"Irene Coppola doesn’t have leverage with MGM, but Francis Coppola’s name carries weight. It should ensure they pay dividends at the normal rate."